Chelsea legend John Terry compared Arsenal’s Max Dowman to Lionel Messi after the teenager wrote his name into Premier League history with a stunning cameo against Everton.
Mikel Arteta’s side secured a vital 2-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, extending their lead at the top of the table to 10 points – and it was 16-year-old Dowman who stole the show.
Dowman makes instant impact off the bench
Introduced with just 16 minutes remaining, Dowman immediately energised Arsenal’s attack. His dangerous cross sparked Viktor Gyokeres’ opening goal in the 89th minute before the midfielder became the Premier League’s youngest-ever goalscorer with a brilliant solo strike in injury time.
The teenager’s second-half cameo left watching pundits speechless, with Terry particularly effusive in his praise after the final whistle.
Terry: ‘I’ve only seen Messi glide past people like that’
In a video posted to TikTok shortly after full-time, the former England captain lavished praise on Dowman’s ability, having previously watched him in action against Chelsea’s academy side last year.
“Max Dowman, what a player by the way, 16 years of age, absolutely incredible,” Terry said.
“I watched him play against Chelsea about a year ago and I’ve not seen anyone glide past people like this man does, other than Messi. That’s a big, big comparison but this man is a proper talent and will play a big part in Arsenal’s future and also England as well.
“Super, super talent. Big, big win for them [Arsenal] today.”
Dowman’s wonder goal seals historic night
Dowman’s goal – Arsenal’s second of the evening – was a moment of pure individual brilliance. Countering from an Everton corner, the youngster nodded the ball past Vitalii Mykolenko before leaving Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall sprawling on the turf with a devastating change of direction.
The strike made Dowman, at 16 years and 72 days, the youngest player ever to score in the Premier League.
Arteta praises teenager’s fearless mentality
Speaking after Arsenal’s crucial win, Arteta revealed he had a “gut feeling” about giving Dowman his opportunity.
“Yesterday he was training and in the last few days and I had a gut feeling that it was a moment for him. Probably because he doesn’t seem to be fazed by the occasion or the moment or the context or the opponent. He just plays so naturally. He makes decisions to make things happen and what he delivered was incredible,” the Arsenal boss said.
“I think his character, his personality and the fact that he doesn’t seem to be fazed by the pressure or his teammates or the opponent. I’ve seen a lot of players with talent but at 16, very few that can cope with that level of demand.”
